Liza Daroff '18 | Penn State College of Health and Human Development

HDFS paved a path to graduate school and career in social work for Liza Daroff '18

It is always fascinating to explore the varied career pathways HDFS alumni pursue! Liza Daroff ‘18 is a perfect example. Liza spent four happy years pursuing a major in Human Development and Family Studies, along with a minor in Rehabilitation and Human Services (RHS). Liza's minor in RHS is specifically designed for students to secure knowledge and skills related to interpersonal interactions, health, and disabilities. This minor was a perfect pathway to her current career as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

To earn an LCSW, students are required to earn 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in no less than two years after earning their master’s in social work (MSW). Liza is currently a few months away from earning her LCSW.

"Helping people learn about why they are the way they are, what is going on for them, and assisting them in making changes in their life to feel more themselves and improve their lives is an incredible thing that I feel honored to be a part of every single day in my job."

Upon her graduation from Penn State, Liza headed to the University of Chicago to earn her master’s in clinical social work (MCSW). Her first job after earning her master’s degree was with Rogers Behavioral Health, in their adolescent partial hospitalization program (PHP). Liza worked as a behavior specialist prior to her promotion to a family therapist. In November 2021, Liza decided to transition to private practice, working with her own caseload of clients seen on a regular basis. In addition to individual therapy sessions, Liza consults with other mental health providers, including schools, families, and psychiatrists.

Mental health is Liza's passion and she always knew she wanted a career in the helping field. During her senior year at Penn State, she recognized that graduate school was in her immediate future, and she realized a graduate degree in social work was the next step for her.

In addition to her work passion, Liza enjoys walking and biking along the Chicago lakefront, spending time with family and friends, working out, and listening to music.

HDFS prepared Liza well for her next venture. The varied selection of classes, the knowledgeable advisers, and the many opportunities to network provided a solid basis for graduate school and beyond. She urges current students to explore all possibilities that interest them, make connections with advisers, professors, and alumni, and use the Penn State network.

This profile was published in May 2022.